How to use an old book as a Kindle cover

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Amazon is very happy to sell you an official Kindle cover alongside a Kindle purchase. In fact you have two options: with or without a built-in light. Third-party covers also exist, but they all cost $30+ and the quality varies.

There is a much cheaper alternative, though, if you don’t mind doing a little crafting. It involves visiting a few thrift stores and second-hand bookshops, but once you have the right size hardcover book the difficult bit is over.

As the images and video shows, you need a book with pages a couple of centimeters wider and taller than a Kindle on each side. Once an appropriate book has been found, stick the pages together with PVA glue before using a craft knife with a sharp blade to cut out the shape of the Kindle. If you measure correctly the Kindle should have a snug fit that keeps it in place. A piece of ribbon can be attached to the inside back of the book to help remove the Kindle whenever you need to.

Keeping the book closed when not in use is achieved with a rubberband. That can certainly be improved upon with a piece of elastic cord glued to the back cover, but a rubberband is easier to replace when it becomes worn.

What we like about this solution is the fact it is so cheap to make. But there are other benefits. Because the Kindle is stored inside an old book it may get overlooked as something to steal if left on a table or someone breaks into your home. To passers-by it also looks as though you are reading a book rather than a Kindle.